Comparison · Minerals
Cobaltite vs Hematite
Cobaltite and Hematite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Cobaltite and Hematite
- Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Cobaltite leaves a grayish black streak on unglazed porcelain, Hematite leaves red to reddish-brown.
- Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
- Cobaltite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 6.0–6.3 versus 5.3 for Hematite).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Cobaltite is Opaque, Hematite is opaque.
- They overlap in gray and red, but Cobaltite also comes in white and pink and Hematite also comes in black.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Cobaltite is Orthorhombic (pseudo-cubic), Hematite is trigonal.
Cobaltite vs Hematite properties
| Property | Cobaltite | Hematite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 | 6 |
| Luster | Metallic | metallic |
| Streak | Grayish black | Red to reddish-brown |
| Transparency | Opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 6.0–6.3 | 5.3 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic (pseudo-cubic) | trigonal |
| Common colors | Silvery white with pink/reddish tint, Steel gray | Metallic Gray, Black, Red |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $2–$50+ |
Which is more valuable?
Cobaltite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $20 against $10 for Hematite, and premium Cobaltite can reach $150 or more.
About Cobaltite
Cobaltite is cobalt arsenic sulfide, CoAsS, a minor but historically significant ore of cobalt. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with a pseudo-cubic habit, forming silvery white to steel-gray crystals with a faint pinkish tint and a bright metallic luster. It typically occurs in high-temperature hydrothermal veins and contact metamorphic deposits alongside other cobalt and nickel minerals.
About Hematite
Hematite is the most important iron ore mineral. Its name comes from the Greek word for blood, referring to its red streak.
Cobaltite vs Hematite FAQ
Is Cobaltite the same as Hematite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Cobaltite from Hematite?
Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Cobaltite leaves a grayish black streak on unglazed porcelain, Hematite leaves red to reddish-brown. Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
Which is harder, Cobaltite or Hematite?
Hematite is harder: Mohs 6 against Mohs 5.5 for Cobaltite.
Which is more valuable, Cobaltite or Hematite?
Cobaltite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $20 against $10 for Hematite, and premium Cobaltite can reach $150 or more.
